Explain why nylon and DNA are both described as polymers. Include in your answer the role of monomers and the type of bonding found in both polymers.

AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.7.3 Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Nylon is a synthetic polymer used to make fabrics and ropes. DNA is a naturally occurring polymer found in the cells of living organisms.

Model answer (4 marks)

Polymers are large molecules made up of many small monomers joined together.
Nylon is a synthetic polymer, produced by polymerisation of monomers such as hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
DNA is a naturally occurring polymer, built from nucleotide monomers in living cells.
In both polymers the monomers are linked by covalent bonds (amide bonds in nylon, phosphodiester bonds in DNA).

Examiner tips

  • Use the word ‘polymer’ and explain it is a long chain of monomers.
  • Mention that nylon is synthetic and DNA is natural.
  • State the type of covalent bond for each polymer.
  • Keep the answer concise to fit the 4‑mark limit.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing covalent with ionic or hydrogen bonds.
  • Failing to specify that nylon is synthetic and DNA is natural.
  • Using vague terms like ‘big molecules’ instead of ‘large/long‑chain molecules’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Polymers are large/long-chain molecules made up of many small monomers joined together
  2. Nylon is a synthetic/man-made polymer (not naturally occurring)
  3. DNA is a naturally occurring polymer because it is made/found in living organisms
  4. Both polymers contain covalent bonds (joining the monomers/repeat units together)

Key terms in this question

polymers · monomers

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